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It
was two months later that her parents arrived by stage. Mary met them at the
hotel then brought them by Mrs. Estrada’s carriage to Mrs. Estrada’s. Three
days later, the entire town turned out to Mrs. Estrada’s for the wedding.

Adding
to his misery, he’d left the bodies where they were and left Woolsey and Brokaw
to their own devices as he hid in his tent for the rest of the night. He wasn’t
proud of it but he’d reached the end of his ability to deal with the death. It
was midday before he came out, sleepless and heartsick.

His
hope that the two mining men would have dealt with the bodies was overly
optimistic. The four lay where they’d died but the mining men were squatting,
ignoring the bodies, around the fire, their interminable cans of beans heating
beside the fire. Zeke swallowed his earnest desire to smash the both of them
with the nearby shovel for their disregard of human life and offered a pale
greeting. “Mornin’”

“Mr.
Stanford. Greetings from a great day,” Woolsey offered. “We reigned supreme in
the end. A fine Arizona morning.”

Zeke
supposed it was and walked to the shovel he’d left by the arista. “So it is.
I’ll get to burying these men.”

Zeke
looked to the sky. Indeed, the crows and ravens were already circling. If the
men hadn’t been there, the birds would have already descended. “It’s not
Christian.” It was all he could offer. He’d held a hand in their deaths after
all, so he couldn’t be all condemning. “It’s right we bury them.”

Woolsey
sighed. It was clear the man thought Zeke a weak. “Very well.” He rose and
tossed the remains of his cup of coffee into the fire and pulled the can of
beans away. “Best get to it then.”

The
burying of four bodies made a long day and at the end, Zeke had nothing to
scribe into the wooden crosses for any of the men except Delbert but Outlaw
One, Outlaw Two and Outlaw Three. That made him even more sad than before. What
about their families? Who would mourn these men?

In
the meantime, the two mining men talked about nothing but the richness of
Zeke’s claim. They rode out the next day talking about ounces per ton, and the
method of transport. Zeke rode ahead so he couldn’t hear them. Scouting he
called it and blamed the Apache attack he’d suffered weeks ago. Really, he just
couldn’t stand the sound of them any longer. He missed the days of riding on
his own. Working on his own.

When
they got into town, he bid them farewell and rode out into the chaparral. He
needed to get some quiet. Two days later, he rode into Mrs. Estrada’s. Cesar
hurried from the barn. “Mr. Zeke! Are you all right? We were so worried when we
heard the mining men were back but you were gone!”

Zeke
dismounted. More guilt piling up. “Sorry, Cesar. I just needed to get their voices
out of my head.”

Cesar
nodded. “It’s good you are back. Miss Mary is so worried.”

Zeke
closed his eyes. Of course Mary was worried. What was he thinking. “I’ll make
it up, Cesar. Thank you.” For once, he let Cesar take Butters and lead him into
the barn while he went to the house. He remembered his manners and was doing
his best to beat the dust from his clothes when Mary raced down the steps and
slammed into him in a huge hug.

“Zeke!
Zeke! I’ve been so worried.” She hugged him so hard he didn’t think he could
breathe. That’s when she slapped him in the face making him stagger. “What do
you think you were doing! You disappeared without a word. I’ve been worried
sick.” She advanced on him until he retreated across the yard to avoid her
wrath. She was like the stories of the Norse Valkyrie, avenging goddess, hair
flying in the breeze, full of fire and ice. He’d never seen anyone more
beautiful.

“I’m
sorry. Sorry.” He held out his hands in supplication, trying to hold off her
anger.

“Sorry
doesn’t make it right!” She crossed her arms, breath coming fast from her
anger. “I was worried sick. You just disappeared. The sheriff has men out
looking for you!”

“I
apologize. I’ll apologize to the sheriff, too. Mary. It’s been a hard week.
Will you forgive me?”

She
smoothed her loose tendrils of hair back as though her hair angered her as
well. He wondered that it didn’t come out by the roots. “Very well. But you’d
better have a good explanation.”

“I do.” He convinced her to walk with him and they wandered across Mrs. Estrada’s little ranch. First, feet apart, then closer. By the time they were by the stream, they were hand in hand. By the time the supper bell rang, they had reconciled.

The
next day started early. The men seemed eager, for a change, to get started. It
was a hike up to the mine. Once there, he stopped and looked around. With any
luck at all, this would be the last time he would climb up here. The view was
of rolling hills, studded with alligator juniper and shrub oak. As the mining
men examined the entrance, Zeke watched a javalina and her juvenile offspring
trot, single file, across the prairie.

“You
mind if we go in?”

“Go ahead,” Zeke said. “See what you’re payin’ for.”

He
sat down and enjoyed the view as they went in. The sweat from the climb cooled
his back as he wiped his face with his bandana. It seemed strange to be showing
people his mine. He’d kept it secret for so long.

A
noise behind him made him turn. Were the men done already?

He
was face to face with a gun barrel. When he raised his eyes, it was the man
from the alley, the night of the dance.

“Ha!
The look on your face. Thought you were done with me, didn’t ya?”

Three
more men crept down the hillside on each side of the mine entrance. Zeke could
hardly form a coherent thought. Weren’t they supposed to be in jail in Globe?

The
man waved his gun. “Get over there, out of sight of the entrance.” Zeke slowly
got up and moved to the spot indicated. The other three men took position next
to the entrance, out of sight of the two who would come out. Zeke eyed his
rifle, lying on the ground where he’d been sitting. The man holding him at
gunpoint picked it up and tossed it down the slope. “Just take it easy, there,
son. No sense getting shot.”

Zeke
agreed with him there. What was this guy’s name? “Delbert. You don’t have to do
this.”

Delbert
laughed. “Shut up. On your knees.” He moved behind Zeke. “You just keep quiet
now. No callin’ out to your friends.”

Zeke
felt helpless. He wasn’t friends with the mining men but he didn’t want to see
them shot. “How’d you escape?”

“None
of your business. Shut up.”

They
waited, the sun beating down. Zeke could feel a trickle of sweat run down his
spine. Could he warn the mining men somehow?

Delbert
jabbed him with the gun barrel. “No ideas. I’ll shoot you first.”

Zeke
guessed his thoughts were obvious. All he could think about now was Mary. Would
she ever know what happened? Eventually. The coordinates were on the claim. Mr.
Markum would send people out if he didn’t return, wouldn’t he?

He
looked up. He could hear Woolsey and Brokaw talking as they came out. They were
feet outside the entrance when they noticed Zeke on his knees, Delbert behind
him.

“Howdy
boys.” Delbert pointed at them as they stopped.

His
partners moved behind the two mining men. Guns pointed at their backs.

“That’ll
be far enough.” Delbert jabbed Zeke. “Stand up and get over there with them.”

Once
Zeke was there Delbert said, “Now drop those gunbelts and kick them over here.”

Zeke
watched the mining men slowly unbuckle the belts. Didn’t they have any tricks?
He sighed as the belts hit the dirt and they kicked them over. Apparently not.

“Tie
‘em up.”

Zeke
could feel his hands pulled back and tied behind him. The rope was biting into
his wrists. “Let’s get them back to camp.”

The
walk back was difficult. It was hard to keep his balance with his hands behind
him. Once at camp, Delbert’s men tied the three of them to a tree and proceeded
to explore the camp. One went for wood and soon they had a fire going and had
Zeke’s food out and being cooked.

As
night fell, Zeke worked the rope on his wrists. He was hungry but worse, he was
thirsty. And angry. Not only was he tied up in his own camp, but they hadn’t
even cared for the horses. He could hear Butters whinnying in complaint.

“Shut
that horse up!”

“He’s
thirsty and hungry.” Zeke felt he had to call out. He didn’t want his horse
shot.

“Shut
up, boy.”

“Feed
the horses, Dan.”

“Why
do I have to do it?”

“You
want a ride out of here, don’t ya?”

There
was mumbling Zeke couldn’t hear but the man was getting up to do what he was
told.

“We
could use some water,” Zeke called out.

Delbert
laughed. “I’ll bet you could, boy.” The others with him laughed as well.

Zeke
sighed and settled back.

“Nice
try, son,” Woolsey said.

“You
two have any ideas?”

“Nope,”
Brokaw said. “Never been in this situation before.”

Great,
Zeke thought. He continued to work at the ropes. His hands were slick. Blood,
more’n likely, but he continued. Maybe they’d get slippery enough to get out of
the ropes.

Eventually,
Delbert’s men lay quiet around the dying fire. Zeke watched and worked. It
seemed the ropes were getting looser. Twice he’d jerked awake, having fallen
asleep as he worried the ropes.

The
night sky wheeled around, and Zeke finally broke a hand loose. The moon had
risen, and he could see blood dripping from his fingertips. He put a hand on
Woolsey’s shoulder. “Stay quiet.” He untied Woolsey, then did the same with
Brokaw. They wriggled out of the rope wrapping them around the tree. Zeke’s leg
was asleep, and he could hardly stand on it as the prickles made his leg feel
like ants were crawling all over it.

The
three crept up on the sleeping men. Zeke went for Delbert, a rock in hand.
Woolsey had a rock as well and Brokaw had a broken tree limb. Just as Zeke
reached Delbert, the man rolled over in his sleep, muttering something.
Terrified, Zeke smashed the man’s head. Woolsey and Brokaw did the same.

Zeke sank to his knees and did a sudden turn. The bile was a bitter as his anguish.

Zeke
seldom traveled with others and Woolsey’s and Brokaw’s incessant talking was
annoying. If it had been interesting or informative, it would have been
different but the two just traded tales of saloons and fights and loose women.
Dirty jokes figured heavily into their repartee. From their talk, it seemed
they didn’t travel together all the time. And neither man seemed to be married.
Neither of them ever mentioned a wife or children. What kind of life was that?

They
stopped at midday to rest the horses and eat a bite. Neither man had thought to
bring a lunch, so Zeke shared his ham biscuits. He was surprised they’d
remembered to fill their canteens.

Just
before sundown, Zeke stopped at his usual camping spot, off of the trail, just
for safety. The two men were about to sit and make themselves comfortable when
Zeke realized what they were doing. He suggested they take care of their
horses, then for Brokaw to gather wood for a fire. They made a bit of fun at
him for being bossy but did as they were told. Zeke made sure the horses were
hobbled properly. He did not want to have to go looking for horses in the
morning.

When
he finished, he was pleasantly surprised to see that the pair had managed to
light a fire. They were pulling cans from their saddle bags.

Zeke
pulled his small cast iron skillet from his bag and a couple slices of bacon.
He got those frying then pulled a coffee pot out and dropped in a few spoonsful
of coffee. One of the reasons he camped here was a small spring nearby. He
filled the pot and his canteen and put the pot on the fire. The bacon done, he
added a little flour to the grease, stirring it all around and then piling it
into a biscuit shape. He let that cook and pulled out his cup and spread his
bedroll on the ground.

The
two others had opened their cans and set them beside the fire. They watched
Zeke with interest. “How’d you learn to do that,” Brokaw asked as Zeke formed
his pan biscuit.

“My
ma showed me before I left home. The bacon fat already has salt in it.” He
shrugged. “Not as good as baked, but it fills the stomach.”

“Smart.”
Woolsey checked his can. He stirred it up from the bottom, losing a little bit
of the canned beans over the side. “Dang.”

They
ate, mostly the two mining company men talking about fancy restaurants they’d
been to in Denver and Tucson. Zeke grunted in spots to let them know he was
still awake. After he ate he cleaned his pan, added water, then beans. He used
the cast iron lid to cover it and put it beside his bedroll.

“What’s
that for?” Woolsey asked.

“Breakfast.”

“Smart.”
Brokaw nudged Woolsey with a grin. “The boy’s smart.”

Zeke
sighed silently and after banking the fire, lay down to sleep. It was going to
be a long trip.

The
next two days went the same as the first. By the time they made Zeke’s
permanent camp, he was thoroughly sick of his two companions. A quick check
made it clear to him that nothing had been disturbed. He gave the two men his
tent. Anything to separate him from them for even a short while. Zeke showed
them the creek and mentioned that he had panned some gold there. But it was up
in the hills that the mine was.

For
the first time the men looked competent. They waded out into the stream and
probed around a little, muttering to themselves and each other. They peered up
at the hills and still talking, gestured possible water flows and rock
formations. Zeke washed up, and went back to camp, collecting fire wood as he
went. By the time it was dark and the two men had returned, the fire was going,
the horses had been cared for and Zeke was making his dinner.

They walked around the camp, admiring the layout and his arrastra. They asked informed questions about how he’d searched out the gold, and nodded with understanding as he talked about the potato and mercury trick. While they ate, they told him about other miners and how they’d done their work. Finally, Zeke thought, something useful from these two. Maybe the Apache don’t have to kill them. The evening passed quickly, and Zeke bid the two good night as they retired to the tent.

The next morning he said goodbye to Mary and after stashing a napkin-wrapped bundle of biscuits with butter and ham in his saddle bag, he left for town. It was a good day, starting off cool with the sky a clear blue. Birds sang as he passed, and a coyote hurried across the road ahead of him. He mentally reviewed the contents of his saddle-bags. Mrs. Estrada had been generous, and he had beans and flour and bacon enough for the nine days he planned to be gone. He had some cornmeal as well to make cornbread if there was time. His canteens were full, and he had feed for Butters too. This was just supposed to be a quick trip. He hoped it would go according to plan and that Mr. Woolsey and Mr. Brokaw were experienced outdoorsmen. If they were tenderfeet, it was going to be a long trip.

Markum
was on the hotel porch in one of the rocking chairs, when Zeke arrived. He tied
Butters to a rail and went up the steps. “Mr. Markum. Mornin’.”

“Good
morning, Zeke. Woolsey and Brokaw were just finishing breakfast. They’ll be out
shortly.”

Zeke
nodded and took the chair next to Markum. “They have supplies for nine days?”

“I
believe so. I saw them in the general store yesterday, buying supplies. I put
in a good word with them at the livery, to get good horses.” The man eyed Zeke.
“You have everything you need?”

“I
do. It’s out and back, so I didn’t bring a lot.”

Markum
nodded. “The men who ambushed you are being sent down to Globe for trial.”

“Good.”
Zeke was relieved. “I wondered how that was going to be handled.”

“The
sheriff found some wanted posters. He telegraphed the sheriff down there. Turns
out they are wanted for several claim-jumping and assault charges. Colton told
me you have some reward money coming.”

Zeke
rubbed his face and nodded. It wasn’t that the money wasn’t welcome. Between
the three gunmen and however much these brush-poppers were going to bring in,
he had several years-worth of income in the bank. Nothing to scoff at. But the
stares and the speculation were more than he wanted to deal with. Even as he
thought that, men passing by were looking at him. He couldn’t wait to get out
on the trail. “Appreciate the news.” He turned to look at the front doors of
the hotel. They were open to the morning air. Where were those men?

“They’ll
be out soon.”

Zeke
looked at him with eyebrows raised.

Markum
laughed. “I can see you looking for them.”

Zeke
nodded. “Just want to get going before the day gets hot.”

“Of
course.”

So
they waited, talking about the assay business, mining in general, and some of
the town gossip. It was an hour and a half before Woolsey and Brokaw came out
the front doors. “Ready?” Woolsey said.

He
was more jovial than he had a right to be as far as Zeke was concerned. They at
least had their saddlebags in hand. “Ready.” He stood up and shook Markum’s
hand. “Appreciate you coming out, Mr. Markum.”

“Glad
to be here, Mr. Stanford.” He tipped his hat to the mining company men. “Safe
trip, gentlemen.”

“We
plan on it,” Brokaw said.

“I’ll
walk with you to the livery,” Zeke told them. He left the porch and untied
Butters as Markum shook their hands. Finally, they left the porch and headed to
the livery. Zeke, leading Butters, walked with them. “You have to do this
often? Travel out to some mine or other, I mean.”

“Often
enough,” Woolsey replied. “All over the west. Where ever the company sends us
to look.”

Zeke
thought that sounded uncomfortable at best. He was mining now, but when he was
married and settled down, he wanted to sleep at home in his own bed.

“How
about you, son. You been mining long?”

Zeke
shrugged. “A little over a year, now. Left my Pa’s ranch and came west.”

Brokaw
nodded. “Sowing a little wild oats?”

Zeke
didn’t like the way the man sneered. “Just looking for a strike. Then for a
good place to ranch.”

The conversation ended when they reached the livery. The man had the horses ready to go. Zeke was glad. He was ready to get on the trail. Once they had their saddlebags in place and were mounted, Zeke got on Butters and led the men out of town and across the chaparral. It was good to get back out on the trail.

Zeke
went back down to the kitchen where Pia was moving around preparing breakfast.
He was just too wound up to sleep. He sat at the kitchen table. “Where did Mrs.
Estrada go?”

“She
went back to bed.” The woman put a cup in front of Zeke and poured him some
coffee. “She told me what happened. You’re fine? Miss Mary?”

“We
are. Talbot too.”

“Good
thing he was there.”

As
much as it choked him to say so, he had to agree. “He warned me, earlier. But
who knew they’d try something right in town.”

His
stomach rolled. What if something had happened to Mary? It was too much to
think about.

Cesar
came in and Pia gave him some cornbread from last night and a slice of cold
ham, while Zeke sat at the table. Pia was speaking to him in Spanish, telling
him about the ambush, Zeke thought as they kept glancing in his direction.
Good. That way he wouldn’t have to tell it again. He finished the coffee and
went out the back door. The sun was just beginning to brighten the horizon. He
sat on the back steps and watched as the sun came up, the birds waking and
singing their morning songs as the sky became rosy then blue.

Cesar
had gone back to the barn and Zeke could hear him moving around, the horses
stamping as he gave them hay and water, the rooster crowed and the hens came
out of hiding. Pia went out with a basket and gathered eggs. Zeke felt like a
bum, letting the couple do all of the work but he just couldn’t seem to move.
He was going to kill those men if he could have. All for the gold. If it
weren’t for Mary, he would let everyone have the gold. It was nothing but
trouble.

“Morning.”

Zeke
looked up. It was full day and Talbot was approaching the steps. “Beautiful
day.”

“Yep.”

“You
doing all right?”

Zeke
was tired of people asking him that. “Fine.”

Talbot’s
eyebrow rose. “Fine.” He went inside. Pia followed. “I get you some coffee, Mr.
Talbot.”

“Thank
you, Pia,” Talbot said.

Zeke
felt completely tired of Red Talbot and wondered why the man was hanging around
Payson. There couldn’t be that much money gambling here in town, could there?

Pia
called him in for breakfast and he went to the dining room. Talbot was seated
there, along with Mrs. Estrada. He looked at Mary’s usual chair.

“I’ll
take her something later,” Mrs. Estrada said. “We’ll just have a quiet
breakfast, the three of us.”

Zeke
nodded. That was fine with him.

The rest of the day was quiet. Talbot went to bed. Mary got up at noon and had a light lunch with him and a walk down by the stream. They talked about what kind of life she was looking forward to. He talked about the kind of ranch he’d like to have. Mary asked him about the mine and he told her about building the arrastra and using potatoes to get gold nuggets.

When
the bell rang, they came in to dinner. Talbot didn’t bother him nearly so much
this evening as before. Mary played, after dinner, and he went to bed content.

The
days passed and finally, Markum sent word that the mining company was in town.
Zeke put his best clothes on and rode Butters into town. He tied up at the
Assay office and noticed all the eyes on the street looking at him, people
whispering to each other. He was uncomfortable. The sooner he could sell the
mine the happier he’d be.

Markum
stood up when Zeke came through the door. “Mr. Stanford. Welcome.” He came
around the desk. “I’d like you to meet Mr. Woolsey, and Mr. Brokaw, from the
Black Canyon mining company.”

The
two men stood up and Zeke shook hands. “Pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.”

Markum
had brought enough chairs for everyone. “Let’s get to business then. Mr.
Woolsey, would you like to begin?”

“Certainly.
We are always on the look-out, Mr. Stanford, for claims like yours.” He motioned
to Mr. Brokaw. “Here’s our standard contract, with the details filled out
concerning your claim. If you’d like to take a moment to read that.”

The
two mining company men waited while Zeke read the contract. It was full of
legal words and Zeke had trouble with it but the gist of it met his
requirements. He asked them about some of the words, and satisfied, answered.
“It seems straightforward, gentlemen. What next?”

“Well,”
Woolsey began. “We’d like to see the claim.”

That
made sense to Zeke. Who’d want to buy something sight unseen? “Fair enough.
When would you like to go?”

“I
understand it’s about a four-day ride. How about tomorrow. That gives us time
to gather supplies.”

“I’ll
be ready. Are you stayin’ at the hotel?”

“We
are,” Woolsey replied.

“I’ll
stop there to pick you up at seven.” They all shook hands and the mining
company men left.

Markum
clapped Zeke on the back. “It looks like this is going to work, son.”

Zeke
nodded. “It does. Will I see you in the morning?”

“I’ll
be at the hotel to see you off.” He walked Zeke to the door. “Say hello to Miss
Young for me. She’s recovered from Saturday?”

“Yes.”
Zeke thought he might not be recovered. He’d been having nightmares every
night. “I’ll tell her you asked after her.”

With that, he went out, got on Butters, and headed back to the house. But instead of going straight back, he took a ride. It was nice country around here, and he needed time to himself to clear his mind.

Zeke
did as he was told while Mary was kicking her attacker with the heels of her
boots. A third man appeared, and slapped Mary into silence. Zeke could feel his
heart pounding. Those men were going to pay.

“Now,”
the one with the pistol said. “You’re going to tell us where that claim is.”

In
the poor light, Zeke peered at his attacker. “You were in the Oxbow window
tonight.”

“Maybe.”
The waved the gun. “If you don’t want nothin’ to happen to the little lady,
you’ll tell us where the claim is.”

“It’s
on file. Wouldn’t do you any good. You’d just be arrested for claim-jumpin’.”

“You
let us worry about that.”

Zeke
made a move toward the man. A shot rang out, kicking up the dirt in front of
his feet.

“We
have a friend, out of sight. Don’t try anything.” He waved at the two men with
Mary, now standing on her feet. We’ll just take the young lady with us. In the
morning you’ll sign over the claim.”

“Don’t
do it, Zeke,” Mary called out.

The
third man slapped her again.

Zeke
thought about how he was going to cut that man’s arm off at the elbow. He
clenched his fists. Through his teeth he growled. “And who shall I make the
paper out to?”

“I’ll
be there in the morning. That’s all you need to know for now.” The man waved to
his partners and they started to back away, taking Mary with them.

Zeke
didn’t know what to do. The two with Mary had guns on their hips. One was in
front of him with pistol drawn and there was another, somewhere in the
darkness, ready to shoot. “Don’t take Mary.”

The
men laughed. “You do what you’re told,” the man with the pistol said. “She’ll
be fine in the morning.”

A
shot rang out and a man’s voice screamed. While the man with the pistol looked,
Zeke charged him. They wrestled for control of the gun. Zeke was terrified that
in the struggle, Mary would get shot. He could hear her screaming and the two
men grunting with pain. Good for her passed through his mind but he was busy.
The geezer that he was fighting was wiry and fast. Stronger, too, than he
appeared. This was not going to be easy.

Sounds
of fists hitting flesh and men crying out in pain came through to Zeke but he
couldn’t take the time to look. Finally, he got the gun and in the struggle,
shot the geezer in the leg. He cried out in pain, calling curses on Zeke.

Zeke
whipped around. Where was Mary? He saw her kicking one man as he lay on the
ground and two men fighting. In the dark he couldn’t tell who was who. One man
punched the other in the face and the man went down. The puncher, rested, head
down and hands on his knees.

“I
have a gun,” Zeke called out.

“It’s
Talbot,” the resting man said.

Mary
stopped kicking the downed man and ran to Zeke.

“Are
you all right?” he asked.

Breathless,
she said, “Yes. You?”

“Fine.
I’m fine. Talbot?”

“I’m good.” He stood up, walked over to his hat in the dirt, picked it up and slapped it against his leg. “Quite the end to the evening.”

“How’d
you know to come help?”

“I
saw the four of them leave.” He shrugged. “They didn’t look like they were up
to any good so I followed.”

“It’s
a good thing,” Mary said. “Thank you.”

Talbot
tipped his hat. “At your service, Miss Mary.”

Just
about then, the Sheriff came around the corner. “What’s going on here?”

“Sheriff.
It’s me, Zeke Stanford, with Mary Young and Red Talbot. These men ambushed Miss
Young and myself.”

The
sheriff approached, pistol drawn, and looked at the men on the ground. He
pushed his hat back. “Three men?”

“Four,”
Talbot offered. “The other one is just up the hill in the backyard of that
house. I shot him.”

The
sheriff gave Talbot a look. “Well. Let’s tie these three up and go look.”

It
was nearly dawn before Zeke and Mary got back to Mrs. Estrada’s. They gave the
horses a quick rub down and water, then shut up the barn. In the house, Mrs.
Estrada was in the kitchen. “What happened?” She hurried over to Mary. “It’s
nearly day break.”

Mary
nodded. “It’s been a story, Mrs. Estrada. We were ambushed.”

“What!”

Zeke
told her the whole story. Pia came in as he finished. “I’ll get coffee,” she
said.

Mary
shook her head. “I just want to go to bed.”

“Of
course. You do that,” Mrs. Estrada said.

Zeke
escorted Mary upstairs and stopped at her door. “Are you sure you’re all
right?”

She
nodded and smiled up at him. “I’m fine. Just tired. I’ll see you in a little
while.”

That evening, Mary and Zeke rode Diva and Butters into
town while Mrs. Estrada took the carriage with Cesar and Pia. They tied the
horses up behind the Assay office and walked, Mary on Zeke’s arm, around the
building and onto Main Street. “I’m glad we tied them up there,” Mary said as
they surveyed the scene. “It’s so noisy here.”

It was true. The band, a fiddler, a man on a guitar,
and the piano from the bar were all out on the Oxbow’s porch. The group was
warming up. It sounded like cats fighting to Zeke but he couldn’t carry a tune
in a bucket so what did he know. People were lined up on both sides of the
street. A big circle, really, leaving plenty of room in the middle for dancing.
Kids ran everywhere, screaming as they played sheriff and bandits. The crowd
was mostly families, sitting beside their wagons, having supper, chatting with
friends they hadn’t seen in a while. The women, especially, counted these
Saturday night dances as the highlight of their week. They could commiserate
with the other ladies, get supplies, and on Sunday morning, attend church,
before heading home to their ranches. Not to say the men didn’t enjoy the
comradery as well. Life on a ranch was hard and lonely, even with a wife and
family. And it didn’t hurt that there was beer.

Mr. Markum spotted Zeke and Mary and came over. “Zeke.
Good to see you.” The men shook hands.

“Mr. Markum. This is Mary Young, come just a couple of
days ago from Santa Rosa.”

Markum took her hand and shook it. “Miss Young. So
good to meet you. Zeke has had nothing but praises for you.”

“Thank you. Mr. Markum. I want to thank you for saving
Zeke. He wrote me all about the gunmen in the street. It was very brave of
you.”

“It was nothing, Miss Young. Your Zeke is a good man.
Glad to help him out. Come meet the Missus.” The three walked over to where
three ladies were seated in a group, near the front of the assay office.
“Excuse me, ladies. I’d like to introduce Zeke Stanford and Miss Mary Young. My
wife, Cassie.”

Cassie stood up. “Mr. Markum has told me all about you
two. Welcome to Payson.” She gave Mary a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so happy to
finally meet you, Mr. Stanford.”

Zeke tipped his hat. “Mrs. Markum. Ladies.”

“Now,” Cassie took Mary by the arm. “We must introduce
you to everyone. Come with me.”

With that, the other ladies stood up and they all
proceeded to walk around the circle, Cassie stopping at each group and
introducing Mary. Markum grinned at Zeke. “Well. That’s going to take some
time. She’ll have her back before the dancing starts.”

“I guess I get a beer, then.” Zeke tipped his hat to
Markum and headed into the Oxbow. It was quieter in here than out on the street
but that didn’t mean nothing was going on. Several men stood at the bar.
Ranchers, mostly, doing what Zeke was doing, grabbing a beer while their
women-folk visited. Many of the tables were full. Two held card games. Talbot
gave Zeke a small nod as they noticed each other but he didn’t disrupt his game
for Zeke.

All well and good as far as Zeke was concerned. If he
could avoid Red Talbot while the man stayed in Payson that was good enough for
him. He got a beer and went out on the Oxbow porch to drink it. Leaning against
the railing post, he saw that Mary and Mrs. Markum were about a third of the
way around the circle. He sipped his beer and looked around. There must be a
hundred or more people here, he thought. On a normal day, while the town seemed
busy, there weren’t that many on the street.

He was half way done with his drink when Talbot came
up beside him. He pointed his chin at Mary. “She seems to be doing well.”

“Yes. Meeting the other women.”

“Thought you should know. The table of men at the
saloon window have been asking about you.”

Zeke drew a deep breath then casually turned to look
at the saloon. Two windows had been placed side-by-side in the saloon’s front
wall. There, four men at a table stared out at him. He turned back to the
street. “What do they want?”

“Your name.” Talbot adjusted the hat on his head,
slicking back his hair before putting it back on. “They know you have a mine
and have been to the assay office.” He gave Zeke an appraising look. “I’m
rooming in the same house with you, I didn’t even know you were mining.”

“I don’t tell everyone my business.” Zeke was annoyed.
Way too many people seemed to know all about him and his business.

“Always a good policy. But word is out. Take care, is
all.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“So I heard. There are four men in the jail because of
you. Three more a few weeks ago. The sheriff should hire you as a deputy.”

Zeke grunted, and Talbot went back inside. Zeke
drained his glass and took it back in. By the time he came out, Mary was just
about back to Markum’s spot in the circle. He went to claim Mary back. By the
time pleasantries were exchanged, the music started. Zeke lead Mary out to the
center of the street.

They danced until they were laughing and breathless.
Markum came over and asked Mary for a dance. Zeke did the same with Mrs.
Markum. Then back to each other, they danced again. The next dance, Zeke felt a
tap on his shoulder.

“May I cut in?” Talbot tipped his hat to Mary.

“Of course,” she said.

Zeke was not happy when she dimpled. With reluctance,
he relinquished her hand. Talbot led her off back into the circle of dancers as
Zeke stepped to the sidelines. He didn’t care for the way Talbot danced so
easily. He especially didn’t like how Mary seemed to be enjoying it.

He crossed his arms and fumed until the dance was
over. He hurried over to reclaim Mary.

“A new song is starting Mary.” Zeke took her hand and
led her away. But he could see Talbot laughing as they left. Let him laugh,
Zeke thought. I’m the one with Mary.

They got small beers at the band’s break and danced
and danced as long as the band played. When the band broke up, most of the
people, the ranch families especially, were already gone. Mrs. Estrada, with
Pia and Cesar, had left at midnight.

Zeke and Mary said good night to the Markums and
headed for the horses. Mary was stroking Diva’s head while Zeke checked them
over. He was about to untie Butters when a man grabbed Mary from behind. She fought
her attacker as Zeke started for the man when another man stuck a pistol in his
face.

It didn’t help at all that while Mary was greeting Mr. Alvarez, sitting across from her, Talbot gave Zeke a smirking grin. Zeke pulled out the chair beside Alvarez so hard that Mrs. Estrada gave him a look. With a bob of his head, he sat, mustering as much politeness as he could.

Dinner proceeded without much comment from him while both Talbot and Alvarez did their best to charm Mary. When dinner ended, finally, Zeke stormed off, out the front door and down to the creek. After storming up and down the creek bank, throwing rocks and sticks into the water, he finally calmed down enough to go back.

There he found everyone in the parlor listening to Mary playing Mrs. Estrada’s piano. As he entered, Mary finished the piece and everyone clapped. “That was beautiful, Mary,” Mrs. Estrada told her. “After I had this shipped here, I never did learn to play. There was no time and frankly, no teachers.”

Everyone laughed, Mrs. Estrada included.

Mary looked at Zeke. “I think I’m tired, Cassie. If you don’t mind. It’s been a very long day.”

Zeke saw Mary blush, but she didn’t remove her hand from Red’s. He stepped in. “I’ll walk you up, Mary.”

Behind her back, Red grinned. Zeke took Mary firmly by the arm and led her away, thinking only about how if he ever got that bushwhacker alone, he’d take care of him. Mary held onto Zeke’s arm with both hands. “Mr. Talbot is quite the character, isn’t he?” she said as they reached the upstairs hall.

“Oh. Yes.” Zeke had other words to use but he let that go. “I’m sorry you’ve over-exerted yourself. The stage ride must have been brutal.”

She shrugged. “It was tiring. But that’s not why I said good night.” She turned to Zeke as they stood outside her door. “I could see you were upset. That’s all.”

He took a breath. That made him feel like a heel. “I’m sorry, Mary. The man gets under my skin.”

She smiled at him. “I could see that. Don’t let it. I didn’t come all this way to see Mr. Talbot. I came to see you.”

Now he really felt bad. “I apologize. It won’t happen again.”

Mary kissed him on the cheek and opened her door. “Good night, Zeke. Sleep well.” With that she was inside, and the door closed.

Zeke put his hand up to his cheek over the kiss. He could still feel her warm lips there. In his room, he took off his boots and lay down on the bed. Her scent lingered on his shirt and all he could think about was having her in his arms.

The next morning, he was in the barn, taking care of his horses and Jenny, when Talbot rode in. Cesar was out at the pig pen so he stepped forward. “Talbot.”

Talbot tipped his hat. “Stanford.” He dismounted. “You’re up early.”

“You too.”

Talbot laughed. “You’re right, my young friend.” He led his stallion into the barn.

Zeke followed. He wouldn’t put it past this rake to steal anything lighter than the anvil. Talbot took his horse to the far end left box stall and unsaddled his horse. Zeke pretended to check on Butter’s feed box.

“Hey, toss me down some hay, would you?” Talbot called out from the stall.

Zeke could hear the sounds of Talbot unsaddling his horse. He shrugged to himself. “Sure.”

Up in the loft, he forked down three bunches of hay, and climbed back down. “Nice horse.” He could give Talbot that much credit. The horse was magnificent.

“Thank you. Storm is a bit much to handle. He has a mind of his own, but we get along.” The horse took that opportunity to reach around and try to bite Talbot. Talbot pushed his head away and gave the horse’s neck a long stroke. The horse looked at Zeke, as though to say he was in charge.

“I can see.”

“I had a good night last night. You should come to the Oxbow for a hand or two.”

Zeke, never one for throwing his money away, thought that was unlikely to happen. “Maybe.”

Talbot came out of the stall and found the oats, giving Storm a scoop, then put the hay in the rack. He opened the stall door to the outside corral, then came out. He brushed his hands off after closing the stall door. “I suspect breakfast is about ready?”

Zeke nodded. “I suspect so.”

Both men walked to the outside pump and washed their hands, then up the steps to the back porch and into the kitchen.

Pia was pulling biscuits from the oven. Zeke’s stomach growled at the aroma.

“Almost ready. Go. Mrs. Estrada is in the parlor.”

Zeke led the way. In the parlor, the salesman was seated in one of the armchairs. Mrs. Estrada was in her rocker and Mary was on the settee. Zeke’s breath caught in his throat at how lovely she looked, her blonde hair shining in the sunlight streaming through the window. She smiled at him as he entered.

“Good morning, Zeke.” Mrs. Estrada nodded to him. “Oh. I see Mr. Talbot is with us this morning.”

Talbot removed his hat. “Mrs. Estrada, you look most fetching in blue this fine day.” He bowed to her while giving Mary a wink.

Zeke scowled as Mary held her hand up to her mouth. It wasn’t like her to simper. He didn’t understand what was going on with her.

“Miss Younger.” Talbot stepped over to her. “Good morning.” He bowed, took her hand and kissed it.

Zeke rolled his eyes. “Mr. Alvarez.”

“Good morning, Mr. Stanford. A fine day for travelling.”

“It is.”

Talbot turned and nodded to the salesman. “Morning, sir.”

The salesman nodded back. “Good morning.”

Pia announced that it was breakfast and they all went into the dining room.

Later, Zeke mopped the last of the gravy with his biscuit, thinking he’d escaped from breakfast with a minimum amount of aggravation from Mr. Red Talbot. He was wondering about how to spend the day with Mary when Talbot spoke again.

“There’s the usual Saturday night dance at the Oxbow tonight, I thought you all should know.”

Alvarez shook his head. “I’m on my way to Flagstaff right after breakfast, good sir. But thank you for letting me know.”

Zeke glanced at Mary and slumped. She was sitting forward, eyes sparkling.

“A dance?”

Zeke checked Mrs. Estrada.

“Oh yes. I haven’t been in a long time but I remember going. Many of the ranch families come into town to do their weekly resupply and stay for the dance. Then sleep in their wagons, go to church on Sunday morning then head back to their ranches.” She nodded, smiling.

Zeke thought she was thinking about a happy memory. The older woman wasn’t doing anything to dissuade Mary from this dance. He looked back to Mary, who was eagerly looking at him. From the corner of his eye he could see Talbot sit back in his chair, arms folded across his chest, smirking. He’d like to slap that smirk right off of his face.

“Doesn’t that sound like fun, Zeke! I could meet some of the ladies.”

That did it for him. If they were going to stay here, she did need to meet some of the other women. Stay here? Where did that come from? “Um. Yes. Sounds like fun. Especially since Mrs. Estrada says it’s a family dance.”

Mary bounced up and down with glee. “Thank you, Zeke! Thank you, Mrs. Estrada. You’ll have to help me pick out a dress.”

Then, she turned to Red. “Thank you for telling us about the dance, Mr. Talbot.”

The gambler touched his fingertips to his forehead, doing a little bow in Mary’s direction. “Anything for you, Miss Younger.”

Mrs. Estrada pushed back from the table. “It’s decided then. Goodness.” She smiled at everyone around the table. “I don’t think I’ve been this excited about going to the dance in a long time.”

Zeke escorted Mary to her room where she was going to lay out all of her dresses to make a decision. Talbot came up as Zeke was closing Mary’s door. He nodded to the man as he passed him at his door, then went back out to the barn. He brought Diva out to curry her. Cesar brought out Storm and tied him to the fence post across the yard from Zeke.

“I hear you’re going to the dance. I take Pia. She loves to dance.” The ranch hand waggled his eyebrows at Zeke.

Zeke nodded. “I guess the ladies do like to dance. Mary’s picking out a dress.”

“You don’ want to go?”

“No. That’s not it.” He had to remember not to brush too hard, he thought as Diva shied away from his rough hand. “It’s just that Talbot brought it up. I know the man wasn’t bringing it up out of the kindness of his heart.”

“Miss Mary is very pretty.”

“Yep. She is. And innocent. Red Talbot is a no-good bushwhacker. Not the kind of person Mary should set her cap for.” Again, Diva whimpered and moved away from Zeke’s brush. He had to pat the horse and calm her down. “Sorry, Diva. Sorry, girl.” He took a deep breath. “Well. I’ve got to take her to the dance. But I don’t have to like that Talbot will be sniffing around my girl.”

“I just got your letter yesterday.” Zeke held Mary’s hand, aware of the women passing by, smiling at the couple. He looked into her blue eyes. They sparkled with unshed tears of happiness. “And your ma and pa? They were all right with this?”

Mary sniffled back her tears and shook her head. “No. Ma was dead set against it but Pa,” she made a face that was puzzled. “He didn’t like it but he helped me get the stage ticket.”

Zeke nodded. Mr. Younger didn’t like him much but they did have a mutual respect. “Your Pa has always been fair to me.” He smiled at her. “Where’s your trunk?”

“Oh!” She wiped her eyes with an embroidered hanky and turned around. As they watched, the stage helper was handing down her trunk to the driver. Zeke stepped forward. “I’ll take that.”

The driver nodded and put the trunk down. When Zeke went to pick it up, he nearly dropped it. The driver grinned and turned back to the stage. “Mary. Did you bring everything you own?”

“Yes. Oh. Is that bad?”

“No. Nope.” He took a breath and hefted the trunk, carrying it to the hotel registration desk. “Miss Younger would like this sent to Mrs. Estrada’s boarding house.”

The clerk looked over the desk at the trunk. “Put it back here.” He pointed at the path around the desk. “I’ll have someone bring it out this afternoon.”

Zeke put the trunk where indicated and dug a dollar out of his pocket and handed it to the clerk. “Thank you.”

He escorted Mary back outside and to the horses. “This is Diva. Your horse for now. We can get another if you want. And this is my horse, Butters.”

Mary stepped up to Diva and gave the horse’s nose a gentle rub. “Hello, Diva. We’re going to be great friends, aren’t we?”

After she made the horse’s acquaintance, Zeke handed her the reins and helped her mount. “Mrs. Estrada’s house isn’t far.” He mounted Butters. “We can walk so you can see the sights.”

They had a leisurely ride—Zeke pointing out the various businesses along the street. Outside of town Mary exclaimed, “It’s greener than I expected. Not like Santa Rosa.”

“I think more rain falls here. And the ponderosas help make it feel more green.”

The ride to Mrs. Estrada’s was over much too soon as far as Zeke was concerned. They dismounted in front of the barn.

Cesar hurried out, wiping his hands on a rag. “Mr. Zeke! Miss Mary! Welcome.” He held Diva’s head as Mary dismounted, then took the reins. “Mr. Zeke has told us all about you. We’re happy to see you.”

Mary grinned at Zeke as he got off of Butters. “Thank you, Cesar. He’s told me all about you and Pia and Mrs. Estrada, as well.” She held out her hand to Cesar. He shook with her.

Cesar beamed. “Pia is waiting for you in the house. I’ll take care of the horses, Mr. Zeke.”

“Thank you, Cesar. Miss Mary’s trunk will be arriving this afternoon from the hotel. I’ve already paid them for delivering it.”

Cesar bobbed his head. “I’ll bring it in when it arrives, Mr. Zeke. Miss Mary.”

In the house, Mrs. Estrada’s and Pia’s welcome was even more enthusiastic. “Welcome, young lady.” Mrs. Estrada gave Mary a hug. “We’re so happy to see you.”

“I’m happy to be here. You have a lovely home.” Mary smiled. “Zeke has written me so much, I feel that I already know all of you.”

“I’m glad.” Mrs. Estrada turned to Pia. “Get a tea service ready Pia. Take it up to Miss Mary’s room.” She turned back to Mary. “You must be tired. Let me show you your room.” They went through the house and upstairs, Mrs. Estrada pointing out handiwork her deceased husband had done and the occasional picture on the wall. Mary’s room was at the end of the hall, the same side as Zeke’s. “This is it,” Mrs. Estrada said as she opened the door.

Zeke saw a room very similar to his but with pink, rose-patterned wallpaper but the same crisp, white paint on the door and window frames. The bedframe, bed side table and dresser were in oak, and unlike his room, there was an oak dressing table and mirror on the same wall as the closet door.

“You can call me Cassie. Mrs. Estrada sounds so formal. I just know we’re going to be friends.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Mary stepped to the window where an armchair and small table were arranged to take in the view. “It’s just as beautiful as Zeke described.”

“I appreciate that.” Mrs. Estrada stepped to the door. “I’ll let you freshen up. Pia will have the tea up here shortly.”

Zeke stood, hat in hand, grinning.

“Zeke?” Mrs. Estrada held the door.

“Oh! Yes.” He hurried to the door looking sheepish. “I’ll see you downstairs, Mary.”

“I won’t be long.”

Mrs. Estrada closed the door and walked with Zeke downstairs. “Would you like some buttermilk, Zeke? I’ll have Pia bring some out on the porch.”

“That would be very nice, Mrs. Estrada.”

“Very well. Go on out. Relax. Everything is covered.”

He nodded and went out, picking one of the rocking chairs. As he sat and looked at the view, he couldn’t believe his luck. Mary was here! There was so much to think about now. He hardly knew where to start.

After an afternoon of showing Mary around the farm and the creek, they arrived back at the house in time for supper. They were standing in the living room, chatting with a new arrival, a Mr. Alvarez, seller of notions, when Mary heard a voice clearing behind her.

“A new arrival, I’ve heard.”

Mary turned around.

He held out his hand. “I’m Red Talbot.”

Mary shook his hand. “Mary Younger, Mr. Talbot.” She smiled up at him. “Red doesn’t seem like a usual name.”

Beside her, Zeke did not like the way the gambler was looking at Mary. More disturbing, was the way Mary was looking at him.

“A nickname, Miss Younger. My mother named me John. But that’s such a common name, don’t you think?”

Zeke didn’t like the way the man was oozing at his landlady. He could see she didn’t think much of it either. “Not at all, Mr. Talbot. I’ll have Pia set another place.” She moved off to the kitchen and through the door.

“Mr. Alvarez,” the notion seller held his hand out to Red. “Making my rounds from Globe, here, up to Flagstaff and then back around through Winslow and Holbrook before heading home.”

“Nice to meet you.” He gave the salesman a brief look and turned back to Mary. “Any you, Miss Younger? How do you come to this fine place?”

Zeke watched as Mary blushed. “I came to see Zeke.” She reached out and tucked her arm into Zeke’s.

That made him feel better until he saw the dude’s eyebrows rise.

“Is that so! I had no idea.”

The look Red gave Zeke made him want to punch the gambler. He could feel the anger rising. His whole body tensed. Mary dropped his arm and looked at him, alarmed.

That is when Mrs. Estrada came back in. “Dinner is served.” She went into the dining room.

Mary looked between the two men in confusion but with the man’s arm out and him looking at her with expectancy, she just took it and followed.

Zeke stood there watching, hands clasping and unclasping in fists. After a few deep breaths, he followed Mr. Alvarez into the dining room Where he found Talbot seated next to Mary.Share this:Share this: